Contents

Background

Both Mangetsu and Suigetsu trained with the intention of becoming members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist together. This dream acted as their motivation for them both to complete cruel missions day by day. Mangetsu eventually succeeded in becoming a member of the Seven Swordsmen, mastering all seven of the swords before his death.[2] His premature death seemingly demotivated Suigetsu.[3]

Appearance

Mangetsu has relatively long, light-coloured hair and pointed, shark-like teeth — the latter trait which all known members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist possess. He wears an outfit very similar to his brother's, which consists of a dark, sleeveless shirt, light-coloured pants and striped leg-warmers typical of his village. Like his brother, he carries a water bottle attached to a belt around his waist and wears bandages around his neck — another trait shared by the seven swordsmen — and the standard Kirigakure forehead protector. Overall, Mangetsu and Suigetsu bear great resemblance to one another.

Hōzuki Clan Techniques and Nature Transformation

Mangetsu killing several shinobi.

As a member of the Hōzuki clan, Mangetsu is proficient in the use of Water Release nature manipulation and can use his clan's main secret technique to liquefy his body at will. It can also be assumed that he is also versed in his clan's other secret techniques that revolve around the use of the Hydrification Technique.

Kenjutsu

Mangetsu was a very gifted swordsman, having been accepted into the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. According to his younger brother, Suigetsu, he was called the "Second Coming of the Demon" (鬼人の再来, Kijin no Sairai),[2] which so happens to be the same nickname that Suigetsu himself shares. His skill, power and chakra were such that he was able to wield all seven blades of the swordsmen, including the notoriously picky blade: Samehada. He was also seemingly entrusted with the scroll which contained all of the other swords.

Part II

Shinobi World War Arc

The previous generation of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist reincarnated.

Later, with the release of the Impure World Reincarnation technique, a light of sorts encased Mangetsu's sealed body as the technique was dispelled and his soul was returned to the afterlife.

Trivia

Mangetsu (満月) means "full moon", and Hōzuki (鬼灯, Literally meaning: demon lantern) is the Japanese word for the "chinese lantern" or "winter cherry", a fruit which resemble Chinese paper lanterns; like all members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, his surname is derived from a type of produce.

It is likely that Mangetsu Hōzuki might have been the previous owner of the Hiramekarei since he was one of the previous generation of Seven Swordsman but was not seen with a sword like the other revived swordsmen, as it was in Chōjūrō's possession. This is also seen with Fuguki Suikazan, who was the previous owner of Samehada, and his sword is currently in the possession of Killer B.